"We are excited to have coach Peckinpaugh join the Clinton Prairie community and lead our boys basketball program," said Prairie athletic director Brian Eaton, also a McCutcheon graduate. "Chad has a great basketball foundation and numerous past experiences that will serve him well in the coming years at Clinton Prairie.

"He is committed to education based athletics and will do well developing our student athletes into outstanding basketball players, role models, students and community members."

Peckinpaugh succeeds Jeff Henley, who stepped down after four seasons with the Gophers, compiling a 73-25 record that included a 22-4 mark in 2016-17. Clinton Prairie went 14-10 last season, losing to eventual sectional champion Covington in the semifinals.

"I kind of always knew that would be my path," Peckinpaugh said of becoming a head basketball coach. "It was just a matter of timing and finding the right fit. I found that at Clinton Prairie."

The Gophers lose three seniors, but return their top two scorers in Grant McGraw and Bailey Good.

After hearing Henley considered retirement, Peckinpaugh started scouting out the Gophers to see if the program was a match for what he wanted as a head coach. He attended several games last winter, including the sectional tournament, and found Prairie's players a fit for his coaching methods.

"I've been part of a formula at a program there at McCutcheon that I plan on bringing with me," Peckinpaugh said. "Those kids kind of fit that mold. Kids that play hard and play aggressive. Kids we can utilize in our situations."

Peckinpaugh will teach health and business at Clinton Prairie.

His father retired from McCutcheon in 2017 after 32 seasons and a 477-269 record that included 12 sectional titles, five regionals and a Class 4A runner-up finish in 2016. Peckinpaugh said his father will be involved in some capacity with the Clinton Prairie staff.

Eaton noted Peckinpaugh stressing a family atmosphere within the Clinton Prairie program and desire to remain with the program for years to come stood out during the interview process.

"I am confident coach Peckinpaugh will continue to build a program left in great shape by his predecessor," Eaton said.

Sam King covers high school sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.